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Tanev to return for Canucks, but now Gudbranson could be out

Calgary Flames v Vancouver Canucks

VANCOUVER, BC - OCTOBER 15: Brandon Sutter #20 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates his game winning goal against the Calgary Flames with teammate Christopher Tanev #8 during a shootout of their NHL game at Rogers Arena on October 15, 2016 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Ben Nelms/Getty Images)

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Chris Tanev will indeed return for the Vancouver Canucks when they host Tampa Bay tonight at Rogers Arena.

The 26-year-old defenseman has already missed 23 games this season with a lower-body injury, and the Canucks have missed him dearly. In the seven games he played early on, they went 4-2-1. Without him, their record was 8-14-1.

Tanev returns after Tuesday’s disastrous loss in Carolina, where the Canucks blew a 5-2 lead and lost, 8-6. Vancouver’s other top defenseman, Alex Edler, has also missed the past eight games with a broken finger, and will continue to miss more.

Read more: Major questions facing Canucks after disastrous ending to road trip

True to form, just as Tanev is ready to return, Erik Gudbranson could be out. Head coach Willie Desjardins said this morning that Gudbranson was being evaluated for an injury and may not be able to play tonight.

With four straight home games, the Canucks desperately need some wins to get back in the playoff race. Tonight it’s Tampa Bay, Columbus is in town Sunday, then Winnipeg visits for two games next week.

Related: The Canucks have a big decision to make with Erik Gudbranson